Potential natural polymer‐based nanofibres for the development of facemasks in countering viral outbreaks

Abstract

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has rapidly increased the demand for facemasks as a measure to reduce the rapid spread of the pathogen. Throughout the pandemic, some countries such as Italy had a monthly demand of ca. 90 million facemasks. Domestic mask manufacturers are capable of manufacturing 8 million masks each week, although the demand was 40 million per week during March 2020. This dramatic increase has contributed to a spike in the generation of facemask waste. Facemasks are often manufactured with synthetic materials that are non‐biodegradable, and their increased usage and improper disposal are raising environmental concerns. Consequently, there is a strong interest for developing biodegradable facemasks made with for example, renewable nanofibres. A range of natural polymer‐based nanofibres has been studied for their potential to be used in air filter applications. This review article examines potential natural polymer‐based nanofibres along with their filtration and antimicrobial capabilities for developing biodegradable facemask that will promote a cleaner production.

Electrospun Poly(ethylene Terephthalate)/Silk Fibroin Composite for Filtration Application

“…By adding the silk, it is considered to give the better user comfort properties such as air and water vapor permeability to the composite membrane. Good air and water vapor permeability of electrospun silk fibroin mats has been already reported by many authors [ 55 , 56 , 57 ].…”

Biodegradable and high-performance multiscale structured nanofiber membrane as mask filter media via poly(lactic acid) electrospinning

“…In addition, Liu et al [29] used a humidity-induced electrospinning technology to fabricate polyacrylonitrile nanofiber/nets with dual-network structures containing 2D ultrafine (~20 nm) nanonets bonded with nanofiber scaffolds, which exhibited high porosity (93.9%), high PM 0.3 removal efficiency (>99.99%), low air resistance (only < 0.11% of atmospheric pressure), and promising purification of PM 2.5 . However, the application of biodegradable true nanoscale fibers in air filter materials, such as masks and respirators, has rarely been reported [30] , [31] , [32] . Moreover, the preparation of environment-friendly bio-based and biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanofibers < 50 nm has not been reported yet [33] , [34] .…”

Electrospun nanofiber-based respiratory face masks—a review

“…Therefore, masks are expected to be made by biodegradable materials soon. Many environmentally friendly materials such as chitin, chitosan, cellulose, alginate, gelatine, silk fibroin, and keratin have been explored [ 54 ]. Recently, S. Choi et al (2021) fabricated eco-friendly filter materials using poly-butylene succinate (PBS) electrospun micro and nanofiber membranes dip coated with chitosan nanowhiskers.…”

“…The performance requirements such as BEF and PFE required are > 95% for level 1 masks and are > 98% for level 2 and level 3 masks. Blood penetration resistance required is 80 mmHg, 120 mmHg, and 150 mmHg for level 1, level 2, and level 3 masks respectively [50,54]. The EN 14,683:2019 medical mask does not require a particle challenge.…”